How does a plaintiff prove causation in a product liability case?

In a product liability case in Washington, the plaintiff must prove causation to recover damages for a defective product. To do this, the plaintiff must show that their injury was directly caused by the defective product. This must be done by demonstrating that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s possession, and that the defect was the direct cause of the injury. The plaintiff must also show that they were using the product as intended, and not misusing it in a way that would have caused their injury. The plaintiff may do this by using expert testimony, such as a medical specialist or engineer, to prove that the product was defective and the cause of the injury. The plaintiff must also provide evidence of the product’s defect, such as through photographs, records, or eyewitness testimony. The plaintiff can also use other evidence, such as records of the product’s sale, to prove that the product was defectively manufactured. Finally, the plaintiff must prove that it was foreseeable that the product would cause the injury. This may be done through testimony, reports, or other documents associated with the product’s design and manufacturing. In sum, to prove causation in a product liability case in Washington, the plaintiff must show that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s possession, that the product was used as intended and not misused, and that the defect was the direct cause of the injury. The plaintiff must also show that it was foreseeable that the product would cause the injury. The plaintiff may do this by providing expert testimony, evidence of the defect, and other evidence to prove their claim.

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